What safety equipment is necessary for flaggers?

Flaggers play a crucial role in maintaining safety in work zones and directing traffic effectively. High-visibility vests are essential as they ensure that flaggers stand out to drivers, especially in low-light conditions or bad weather. This visibility is vital for alerting motorists to their presence and the work zone's hazards.

Hard hats are important because they protect flaggers from potential head injuries due to falling objects, a common risk in construction and road work areas. Appropriate signaling devices, such as flags and stop/slow paddles, are necessary tools for flaggers to communicate with drivers and effectively manage the flow of traffic through the work zone. These devices ensure that directives are communicated clearly and that traffic is directed safely.

While the other options mention equipment that may have some relevance in certain contexts—like safety goggles or respiratory masks for specific hazards or reflective gloves to increase visibility—they do not encompass the fundamental items specifically tailored for the role of a flagger. The primary focus for flaggers should be on their visibility and ability to direct traffic, making the combination of high-visibility vests, hard hats, and signaling devices the most appropriate and critical safety equipment for their duties.